THE DARFIELD CARNIVAL.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15394, 27 September 1915, Page 3

THE DARFIELD CARNIVAL.

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. MISS JAB MAX CROWXED. The weather for t-he consummation of the Darficld Carnival on Saturday was bright 3nd sunny, though a strong and cold north-oast wind blew all day. However, it was not felt in the sheltered Domain, where a largo concourse of people from all parts of tho district, and from still further afield, wer© gathered. It seemed as though everyone in the district was cither taking part in the Carnival or looking on, and the general attendanco was considered very •satisfactory. The morning train from Ohristchurch was crowded, and on its arrival the procession irom the township to the Domain was got going without any unnecessary delay, it was headed by the Band of the Ist (Canterbury) Regiment, and was really a splendid one, reflecting the v&ry greatest credit indeied on thoso responsible for its organisation. .Lach of the four Queens had a scction of the procession to herself, though all formed one long and interesting line, quite three-quarters of a mile in length. A vast amount of ingenuity was shown by some of tho units in the procession, and particular mention must be made, of Miss C 5. Knight's (Racecourse Hill Queen) procession, and Miss C. Jarman's (T>artield Queen), which were full of highly original and exceptionally well-thought-out conceptions. The processions of Mi.=s A. Clinton (Darfield), and Miss F. Mrßeath (Kimberley) were also good, though not so large as the others.

On the arrival of the proccssion at tho Domain, it was paraded round tho ring, and thp different sections were judged by Jlr G. Gould. Miss Knight's procession pained prize <'f 1000 vote?, with "( points, and Miss .Tarman was second, with 73 points. There wore a good many stalls and Itoofhs on tho ground, including tho flower stall (Mrs RetlfernV produce (Mrs Stott), refreshments (Mrs J. Reid), sweets (Miss Simpson), needlework (Mrs Knight), cako (Miss Knight), and bachelors' (Miss Morrison). All did a very brisk trade, the refreshment tent especially. and all through the forenoon and afternoon a long queue of peoplo were waiting their turn to take their place in tho crowded marquee. A .squad of tierco and actiro policemen was supplied !>.v the Chii.stchurch auctioneers, and they held a mock court in a marquee, bringing many to justice.

During the afternoon the judging of the decorated vehicles took place, and a sports programme was also decided. The decorated motor-car prize of 000 votes was won by one of Miss Jarman's supporters. while the decorated motor-cycle was won for Miss Knight, who thus .secured 200 votes. The best horse-drawn vehicle was a manned fort in Miss Mcßeath's procession, gained her 200 votes. The prize for tho most novel deeoration, a troopship, was also awarded to Miss Mcßeath's supporters. and wa3 easily worth 200 votes.

Considerable interest was taken, of courfce, in the voting for tho Queen of the Carnival. For a long timo Miss Knight led, and it was generally thought that she was a sure winner, hut as the time for closing down on tho rote-taking approached, the money began to come in in large sums for Miss Jarman. and when tho tallies were finally mado up, it was found that the Tracings wero as follow:—

Miss C. Jarman, 77.371 votes . u*. 1 Miss G. Knight, (>2.807 votes** « '2 Miss A. 'Clinton* *»50'.456 .votsj 4 * s "£".'' 3 Mcßcath, votes, i.. 4 Tho cash value of thef*£btnl .number of votes is approximately £,19-18. After tho announcement had been made, the crowning ceremony was carried out very successfully, Nureo Maude officiating. It >s hoped that the fotnT proceeds of the Carnival will exceed £3000.